Defending Life

Parishioners of Cathedral Parish are encouraged to pray and participate actively in efforts to build a Culture of Life. Regular activities in defense of the dignity of human life, from conception to natural death, include:

Pilgrimage for Life: Each January, the Diocese of La Crosse organizes a pilgrimage to Washington D.C. Pilgrims participate in the annual March for Life, and related activities. All parishioners, particularly high schoolers and young adults, are encouraged to attend. Details can be found at www.diolc.org (Under Offices and Ministries, see Youth and Young Adult Ministry).

Birthright: Each January, parishioners are invited to participate in a fundraiser for our local chapter of Birthright, which provides counseling, assistance and encouragement for women who experience an unplanned pregnancy.

Life Chain: All parishioners are encouraged to participate in this silent, prayerful witness for life, which takes place each October. Participants gather along Losey Blvd. from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. to pray for an end to

Respect Life Resources

  • Birthright of La Crosse: www.birthright.org ; (608)782-0373; Hotline (800)550-4900
  • National Committee for a Human Life Amendment: NCHLA.org ; (202)393-0703
  • National Right to Life: www.nrlc.org
  • Natural Family Planning: www.dioceseoflacrosse.com (see Offices and Ministries/Natural Family Planning)
  • Priests for Life: www.priestsforlife.org
  • Project Rachel (post abortion help and healing): www.hopeafterabortion.com
  • ProLife Across America (The Billboard People): www.prolifeacrossamerica.org
  • ProLife Wisconsin: www.prolifewisconsin.org
  • United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org/prolife
  • Wisconsin Right to Life: www.wrtl.org
  • National Catholic Bioethics Center – www.ncbcenter.org

Contacting Government Representatives

The teaching of the Catholic Church obliges us to obey all legitimate authority, that is, authority that conforms to the laws of God. On the other hand, we are “obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2242). Because current laws legalizing such practices as abortion, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research are opposed to the fundamental rights of the human person and contrary to the laws of God, we are to do all in our power to change those laws. Parishioners are encouraged to stand up for the dignity of each human person by contacting the appropriate person/s when anti-life legislation is pending.

President ____________
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111

To contact the United States Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate or House of Representatives office you request.

U.S. Senators
Send correspondence to:
The Honorable ________________
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

U.S. Representatives
Send correspondence to:
The Honorable ________________
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510